This backpack is for the more adventurous souls of GO, as it involves some modest off-trail hiking!  While most of the trip is of modest grade along old railroad beds, the intention is to climb Owl's Head (4025') and then continue around the mountain to bushwhack off the Franconia Brook Trail into Redrock Brook Ravine.  We'll pass Black Pond, Lincoln Brook Falls and the Thirteen Falls Campsite along the way.  The plan is to camp along the upper portion of an old railroad grade near old Logging Camp 14 or up at Bear Pond (either way we'll visit the pond).  When we're off-trail, the woods are mostly open, but there is reportedly some thicker pine and blowdowns around Bear Pond.  There is an unofficial campsite near the shore of the pond though.  A talus field around the pond allows for spectacular views of Mt. Guyot and West Bond and the slides which scar these peaks.  We'll return via the Franconia Brook Trail.  This will be a very unique weekend outing!

• Friday:  Hike approximately 4.0 miles and camp just past Black Pond (554 feet elevation gain).
• Saturday:  Hike approximately 13.0 - 13.5 miles with 4300 feet in elevation gain out to Owl's Head and Bear Pond in Redrock Brook Ravine.
• Sunday:  Hike approximately 8.5 - 9.0 miles back out to Lincoln Woods.

Harsh weather may postpone to another date or cancel, as appropriate.

What to Bring:  You will need a pack, tent/bivy, sleeping bag/pad, extra dry clothes/towel, food for 2 lunches, 2 dinners and 2 breakfasts, headlamp, bear bag/cannister, backpacking stove, water filter/treatment, etc. (some double up is possible for shared equipment...tents, bear bags, stoves, water filter).  Typical summer hiking gear should be appropriate:  convertible hiking pants, good sturdy hiking boots with thick socks and a windbreaker/raingear (just in case).  Snacks and at least 2 liters of water (water can be filtered along the way).  Optionally, pack bug repellent and sunscreen and anything else that you may require for a multi-day hike.

From Routes 93, take Exit 32 for Lincoln:  At the end of the ramp, take a left onto Route 112 East (Kancamagus Highway) and travel for 5.1 miles to the Lincoln Woods parking lot.  It will be signed and on the left.
From the intersection of Routes 113 and 112 in Conway, travel 30 miles west on Route 112 (Kancamagus Highway) to the Lincoln Woods parking lot.  It will be signed and on the right.

It's a rather large parking lot, but look for a Hyundai Elantra (with me standing nearby).

GPS Users:  44.063449, -71.589189 (Kancamagus Highway; Licoln, NH)